{
  "id": 8012183,
  "title": "Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque introduces entry fee for visitors",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/sheikh-zayed-grand-mosque-introduces-entry-fee-for-visitors-8012183",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-17T10:38:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National Business",
    "slug": "the-national-business",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2026/09/17/sheikh-zayed-grand-mosque-abu-dhabi-visitor-entry-fee/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Entry fees are now required for visitors to Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, with UAE residents paying Dh5 ($1.35) and tourists Dh10, though worshippers remain free. The mosque centre revealed these fees on their website. Those aged 60 or over can enter without charge. Official delegations' fees are set by relevant authorities.\n\nAdditional access to the Light & Peace Museum and Diya immersive experience costs Dh25 each, or Dh40 for a combined ticket. The museum houses sensory exhibits, artifacts, and artworks reflecting Islamic civilisation, while Diya takes visitors on a 360-degree journey through sound and light, starting beneath a starlit sky before showcasing UAE heritage.\n\nGuided cultural tours of the mosque remain free for individuals and groups, led by official guides for 30 to 45 minutes each. Tours are offered at 11am, 1pm, and 5pm Monday through Sunday, except on Fridays when only 11am and 5pm slots are available. A Dh30 tour allows visitors to explore the mosque's main prayer hall, highlighting Islamic craftsmanship and architecture. Restricted prayer hours prohibit tourist access to the prayer hall.\n\nGeneral visiting hours are 9am to 8:30pm from Saturday to Thursday, and 9am to 11:30am and 2:30pm to 8:30pm on Fridays. A night cultural tour is also available. Visitors must adhere to a modest dress code, covering hair and wearing loose-fitting clothing that covers arms and legs. Men cannot wear shorts, sleeveless shirts, tight clothing, or garments with inappropriate content. Abayas are no longer provided by the centre, though visitors can purchase one for Dh45 nearby. Men with inappropriate attire will be denied entry. The mosque, envisioned by UAE Founding Father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, was constructed between 1996 and 2007 and opened in December 2007. The mosque centre has welcomed 3,127,607 guests this year, with 78% being international tourists.",
  "summary": "Visitors to Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque must now pay an entry fee, with UAE Emirates ID holders being charged Dh5 ($1.35) and tourists Dh10, although the mosque remains free for worshippers. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, which oversees the landmark building, has listed the new entry fees on its website. Visitors entering the white-marble complex through tour operators will pay…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National UAE",
        "title": "Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque introduces entry fee for visitors",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/sheikh-zayed-grand-mosque-introduces-entry-fee-for-visitors",
        "published": "2026-09-17T10:38:02.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}